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Imani Institute

Description: Deborah Wang reports that 86 African American students attend the Imani Institute, a private school where students learn about their African heritage. Interview with institute director Ozzie Edwards, who says that parental involvement is key to a child's academic success. He adds that the students learn to be proud of their heritage. The school is housed temporarily in the Elliot Street Congregational Church. Many students formerly attended Boston public schools and area Catholic schools. Interview with President of the Parents' Council, Sadiki Kambon, who says that many African American students are not receiving a good education in the public schools. The Imani Institute needs to raise additional funds in order to make it past its first year.
1:00:11: Visual: Footage of four young African American female students stepping out of a car onto a sidewalk. The girls are dressed in school uniforms. Shots of students in uniforms gathered outside of the Elliot Congregational Church in Roxbury. Shot of an African American boy looking out of a window of the building. Deborah Wang reports that the Imani Institute is not a traditional parochial school. V: Footage of African American schoolchildren gathered in an auditorium. The students sing "Lift Every Voice." Shots of individual schoolchildren. Wang reports that a school assembly is held each morning; that each class has a Swahili name. Wang notes that the students recite a pledge about their African past. V: Footage of the schoolchildren at the assembly saying together, "We are the African people." Wang reports that there are 86 African American students at the Imani Institute; that the students learn about their African heritage. V: Shots of Imani students standing in a classroom; of students sitting in an assembly; of individual schoolchildren. Footage of Ozzie Edwards (Director, Imani Institute) saying that the school gives students a sense of pride about their heritage. Shot of a handwritten sign for the fourth grade class known as "Anika." Footage of an African American female teacher working with students in a classroom; of students working at desks. Wang reports that many of the educational concepts behind the Imani Institute date back to the 1960s; that these educational concepts are becoming more popular with parents. Wang notes that many parents believe that public schools are in crisis. V: Footage of Edwards saying that there are problems with the education of African American children. Edwards says that African American children are not achieving the level of education of other groups. Wang reports that many Imani students are former students of the Boston Public Schools; that some are former students of the African American Catholic school St. Francis de Sales. Wang notes that the St. Francis de Sales school closed over the summer. V: Shot of the exterior of the former St. Francis de Sales school building. Shot of an African American female teacher with young students in a classroom. The students sit in a circle on the floor. Shots of the students. Wang reports that parents of students at the Imani Institute have insisted on having input on the education provided by the school. V: Footage of Sadiki Kambon (President, Parents' Council) saying that many parents decided that the Imani Institute was the best place for their children; that the public schools are not providing a good education. Footage of Edwards saying that parental background and involvement are critical to a child's success in school. Edward says that parents need to be interested in their child's education; that parents do not have to be well educated. Shots of older students in a classroom with an African American male teacher. Shots of the teacher and the students. Wang reports that the school has no permanent home; that the school is housed temporarily in the Elliot Congregational Church. Wang notes that the Imani Institute must raise an additional $60,000 in order to make it past the first year. V: Shots of Imani students leaving the morning assembly.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/12/1989

Infant mortality and poverty

Description: Hope Kelly reports on an increase in the infant mortality rate since last year. Kelly reviews statistics on the infant mortality rate in Massachusetts and in Boston. There is a wide discrepancy between the infant mortality rates in the white and African American communities. Two out of three infant deaths in Boston are African American infants. Interview with Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Public Health, David Mulligan and Howard Spivak about the rising infant mortality rate. The state of Massachusetts has implemented prenatal care programs for all pregnant women. Interview with Commissioner of Boston Health and Hospitals, Judith Kurland, about the prenatal care programs. Kurland says that the programs do not reach the women who are most in need of them. Kurland says that an increase in poverty has resulted in an increase of the infant mortality rates. Kelly reviews statistics concerning teenage pregnancy in the state, noting that teenage pregnancy is becoming increasingly common. Kelly's report is accompanied by footage of infants in a hospital nursery and footage of a doctor examining a baby.
1:00:01: Visual: Shots of an infant in a neo-natal intensive care unit; of an infant in an incubator being wheeled through the corridors of a hospital. Hope Kelly reports that infant mortality refers to any infant who dies within the first year of life; that the infant mortality rate among the minority population in Massachusetts is high. Kelly reports that the infant mortality rate for white babies is 7.1 per 1,000 births; that the infant mortality rate for African American babies is 17.2 per 1,000 births. Kelly notes that the infant mortality rate for white babies in Boston is 8.1 per 1,000 births; that the infant mortality rate for African American babies in Boston is 24.4 per 1,000 births. Kelly reports that the infant mortality rate has increased since last year. V: On-screen text and visuals detail the statistics of the infant mortality rate in Massachusetts. Footage of David Mulligan (Commissioner of Public Health) saying that there the infant mortality rate signals a wide discrepancy between the white community and the African American community. Kelly reports that two out of every three infant deaths in Boston are African American infants; that African Americans make up less than one-quarter of the city's population. V: Footage of Howard Spivak (Deputy Commissioner of Public Health) saying that infant mortality rates are high across the nation; that Massachusetts has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the nation. Shot of a woman dressing a baby in an examination room of a health clinic. Kelly reports that Massachusetts has already implemented pre-natal care programs for all pregnant women. V: Footage of Judith Kurland (Commissioner, Boston Health and Hospitals) saying that these programs are good; that the programs do not always reach the women who need the most help. Kurland says that there are women who do not know that help is available. Kelly reports that Kurland runs the health department of the city of Boston. Kelly reports that one out of four newborns at Boston City Hospital will spend time in the intensive care nursery. Kelly notes that the mothers of these children often receive inadequate pre-natal care. V: Shot of an infant in the intensive care nursery. Shot of a health care worker tending to an infant in a hospital nursery. The health care worker takes a measurement and refers to a gauge. Kelly reports that Kurland does not think that the pre-natal care programs in Massachusetts are adequate. V: Footage of Kurland saying that the programs need to reach women in housing projects and on street corners. Shot of health care workers tending to an infant in a hospital nursery. The workers look at an image on a computer monitor. The infant is hooked up to medical equipment. Kelly reports that Kurland is proposing a radical expansion of health care. Kelly notes that outreach is necessary in order to help at-risk women. V: Footage of Kurland saying that there has been an increase in poverty during the past eight years; that increases in poverty are linked to increases in infant mortality. Kelly reports that teenage pregnancy is on the rise in Massachusetts. Kelly reports that 88,047 babies were born to teenage mothers in Massachusetts in 1988; that 84,343 babies were born to teenage mothers in Massachusetts in 1987. Kelly notes that the teenage birthrate has increased 22% since 1980. V: Shot of a young woman and a baby at the window of an apartment building. On-screen text and visuals detail statistics about teen pregnancy in Massachusetts. Shot of Dr. Graunke (pediatrician), a woman, and a baby in an examination room at the Codman Square Health Center. The woman puts the child on the examination table.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/12/1989

Jesse Jackson and Nynex strike

Description: Christy George reports that Jesse Jackson came to Boston to support the strike by employees of New England Telephone. Jackson addresses the strikers at City Hall Plaza. Management and employees cannot agree on who should pay for workers' health benefits. Interview with New England Telephone spokesman Peter Cronin, who says that the union agreed to share health care costs in 1986. George reports that employees accuse management of staging a "take-back." Jan Pierce of Communication Workers of America attends the rally on City Hall Plaza. Pierce rips up a phone bill and urges the workers not to pay their bills until the strike is over. The union is asking customers to stall payment on their phone bills until the strike is over. National unions are backing the Nynex strikers. Striking workers demonstrate outside of the New England Telephone building. The strikers urge a woman not to pay her phone bill.
1:00:14: Visual: Footage of Jesse Jackson (leader, Rainbow Coalition) addressing the striking employees of Nynex at City Hall Plaza. Jackson wears a baseball cap and a denim jacket. Jackson says that working people must take back America. Shots of striking workers waving signs and applauding for Jackson. Christy George reports that Jackson came to Boston to support the strike by employees of New England Telephone. V: Footage of Jackson saying that the workers need a health plan, not a "stale plan." The crowd applauds for Jackson and repeats his chants. Shots of the striking workers. Shots of hundreds of people assembled on City Hall Plaza. George reports that the telephone company and the workers do not agree on who should pay for the workers' health benefits. George reports that Nynex maintains that the union agreed to share the rising cost of health benefits. V: Footage of Peter Cronin (Spokesman, New England Telephone) saying that the union agreed in 1986 to share costs if the price of health benefits reached a certain level in 1988. Cronin says that the cost of health benefits has reached the level at which employees are expected to share costs or to take a deductible. George reports that employees say that Nynex is involved in a "take-back." George notes that the union says that it is fighting for all unions. George adds that today's rally included striking employees from Eastern Airlines and the United Mine Workers. V: Shots of striking workers at City Hall Plaza. Shots of uniformed pilots standing at the front of the rally. George reports that Jackson preached solidarity; that Jackson called on the workers to fight against the anti-labor policies of Ronald Reagan (former US president) and George Bush (US President). V: Footage of Jackson addressing the striking workers. Jackson encourages the workers to vote. He urges them to vote for important issues like wages, health care, education, and justice. Shot of a sign reading, "I won't pay my phone bill until the Nynex strike is over." George reports that the rally kicked off a new strategy by the union. V: Footage of Jan Pierce (Vice-President, Communication Workers of America) addressing the rally. Pierce rips up a phone bill and tosses the pieces into the air. Pierce urges the workers not to pay their phone bills until the strike is over. The workers cheer. Footage of Cronin saying that a customer should pay his or her bill if a service is provided. Cronin says that Nynex customers are reasonable; that Nynex customers will pay their bills. George reports that the union is actually asking customers to stall payments or to pay the minimum amount to keep their phone connected. V: Shot of a Boston Police cruiser. The cruiser has a sign supporting the strike on its window. Footage of strikers outside of the New England Telephone building on Franklin Street. Police officers are posted at the entrance to the building. Striking workers tell a female customer not to pay her phone bill. The workers tell the woman that her phone will not be disconnected because there are no workers to disconnect the phones. The woman walks away without paying her bill. The workers applaud. George stands in front of the New England Telephone building. George reports that labor unions have been losing ground in the US; that national unions are putting a lot of effort into the Nynex strike. George notes that the AFL-CIO is behind the strategy of asking customers to delay payment of their phone bills. George adds that the AFL-CIO represents a lot of people. V: Shots of the striking workers in front of the Nynex building. The workers chant, "Don't pay your bills." Shots of individual workers; of the exterior of the New England Telephone building. George reports that the AFL-CIO is throwing its weight behind this strike; that a win for labor would reverse a series of defeats. George notes that all unions will lose ground if the telephone company wins this strike. V: Shots of the striking workers.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/15/1989

Jesse Jackson at Kennedy School

Description: Christy George reports that Jesse Jackson spoke about leadership in a speech at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. George reports that Jackson is very active in this non-election year. George's report includes footage of Jackson walking a picket line with striking Eastern Airline employees and footage of Jackson visiting an Armenian earthquake zone. George talks about Jackson's activities since the 1988 election. George's report also features footage from Jackson's speech at Harvard. Jackson talks about voter cynicism in the 1988 election and the qualities of a good leader. Jackson says that the US must invest in itself in order to flourish. He explains a metaphorical term: "honeybee sense." George's report also includes footage from Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Lee Atwater visits Massachusetts for a Republican Party fundraiser
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of Jesse Jackson (African American political leader) as he enters an auditorium at the John F. Kennedy School of Goverment at Harvard University. The audience applauds for Jackson. Shot of a man in the crowd. Footage of Jackson addressing the audience. Jackson jokes about his speech being televised on C-Span. Jackson waves to his mother. Christy George reports that Jackson talked about the scarcity of good leaders in American politics during his speech at the Kennedy School of Government. V: Footage of Jackson delivering his speech. Jackson says that public cynicism won more voters than Bush did in the 1988 campaign. Jackson notes that 50% of the eligible voters did not vote; that 70% of voters expressed a desire for a different choice. Jackson says that Bush's campaign won while the country lost. Footage of Jackson at a campaign rally in New Hampshire on February 16, 1988. The crowd chants, "Win, Jesse, Win." George notes that Jackson travels the country regularly in non-election years. V: Shots of Jackson doing a television interview; of Jackson picketing with striking Eastern Airline employees. George reports that Jackson has walked with striking Eastern Airline employees across the nation; that Jackson turned a tour of an Armenian earthquake zone into a Soviet-American people's summit. V: Shot of a Soviet news anchor reading the news; of Jackson kissing a baby in Armenia. Footage of Jackson looking out of a window while riding on a bus in Armenia. Jackson speaks to the media, saying that human beings must care for one another. Footage of Jackson at a 1988 campaign rally. George calls Jackson a "perpetual candidate" and a "peripatetic preacher." V: Footage of Jackson speaking at the Kennedy School. Jackson says that he is a "liberal" who fights for change. Jackson says that pollsters and pundits are looking for a manufactured candidate. Jackson says that great leaders do not follow opinion polls; that great leaders mold public opinion. Jackson says that John F. Kennedy (former US President) was not following opinion polls when he reached out to Martin Luther King, Jr. (civil rights leader). Jackson says that Kennedy's actions were based on courage and principles. Jackson says that the US needs bold leadership to deal with the nation's "structural crisis." Jackson talks about "honeybee sense." Jackson says that honeybees know to drop pollen when they pick up nectar; that honeybees know the importance of keeping the flowers alive. Jackson says that the US needs to invest in itself in order to stay alive and flourish. The crowd rises to its feet and applauds for Jackson.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/25/1989

Kevin White and Boston development

Description: Kevin White gives speech on Boston real estate development; then comments on his tenuous connection with Edward McCormack, denying any conflict of interest or impropriety. Interview with Ed McCormack.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/14/1989

L. Douglas Wilder

Description: Douglas Wilder, the Democratic candidate for Governor of Virginia, visits the African Meeting House in Boston. Wilder speaks to Director Ruth Batson. Reporter Marcus Jones notes that Wilder is expected to win the election; he adds that Wilder will become the first African American governor of any state in the nation. Jones reviews Wilder's career. Interview with Wilder at the African Meeting House. He talks about his campaign for governor. Wilder downplays speculation that he could be a presidential candidate in 1992. Jones notes that Wilder is visiting Boston to meet supporters and to raise funds for his campaign. Following the edited story is additional footage of Wilder visiting the Meeting House and footage of Jones's interview with Wilder.
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of L. Douglas Wilder (Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia) autographing his picture for an admirer outside of the African Meeting House on Joy Street in Boston. Shots of Wilder entering the Meeting House; of a group of people following Wilder into the Meeting House. Shot of the exterior of the Meeting House. Marcus Jones reports that Wilder is not a familiar face to Massachusetts voters. V: Footage of Ruth Batson (Director, African Meeting House) speaking informally to Wilder and a small group of people. Batson tells Wilder that he joins a long list of illustrious African Americans to pass through the Meeting House. Wilder says that he was named for Frederick Douglass (Nineteenth-century abolitionist). Shots of Wilder in the Meeting House; of the media in the Meeting House. Jones reports that Wilder is the current Lieutenant Governor of Virginia; that Wilder will become the Democratic nominee for governor of Virginia next month. Jones reports that Wilder is attracting national attention because he is expected to win the election. V: Shot of Wilder examing an exhibit in the Meeting House. Shot of a newspaper headline reading, "Black Virginia Politician rests at brink of history." The article is accompanied by a photo of Wilder. Jones reports that no African American has been elected governor of any state in the US. V: Footage of Wilder being interviewed by Jones at the Meeting House. Wilder says that he had high aspirations when he was young; that he never expected to be in this position when he entered politics in 1969. Wilder says that it is significant for an African American to be the Democratic nominee for governor of Virginia. Jones reports that Wilder is in Boston to meet supporters and to raise money for his campaign. Jones notes that Wilder has tried to remain neutral on racial issues; that 80% of Virginia's electorate is white. V: Shots of a black and white photo in an exhibit at the Meeting House; of Wilder talking to an African American woman as he stands near an exhibit at the Meeting House. Jones reports that Wilder entered politics as a state senator in 1969; that Wilder represented the city of Richmond. Jones notes that Wilder has become more conservative on some issues since 1969; that Wilder has run unopposed for the gubernatorial nomination in Virginia. Jones adds that Wilder is a highly respected member of the Democratic establishment in Virginia; that some predict that Wilder could move into national politics. V: Shot of the newspaper article about Wilder. Footage of Wilder being interviewed by Jones. Jones asks Wilder if he could see himself as president in 1992. Wilder says that he hopes to be enjoying his post as governor of Virginia in 1992. Wilder says that he is concentrating on the gubernatorial race in Virginia; that he thinks he is the most qualified candidate to become governor of Virginia. Shot of Wilder with supporters outside of the African Meeting House.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/18/1989

Lee Atwater at GOP fundraiser

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Lee Atwater, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, visited Massachusetts for a Republican Party fundraiser. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater is optimistic about the Massachusetts Republican Party and has been making efforts to recruit minorities to the Republican Party. Students at Howard University protest Atwater's trusteeship at Howard University. Critics accuse the Republican Party of racist politics. David Duke, former Ku Klux Klan wizard, at a press conference. Vaillancourt notes that Atwater denies exploiting racial issues in 1988 presidential campaign advertisements. Vaillancourt's report features footage of Atwater speaking at the fundraiser. Atwater predicts that the next governor of Massachusetts will be a Republican. Atwater defends the Willie Horton campaign advertisements and condemns David Duke. Atwater shakes hands with Herman Wheeler, the President of the MBTA Police Officers Association, who recently switched his allegiance from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Jesse Jackson addresses students at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government
1:00:00: Visual: Footage of Lee Atwater (Chairman, Republican National Committee) speaking at a Republican fundraiser in Watertown, Massachusetts. Atwater says that Massachusetts will see no real progress until the state elects a Republican governor. Shots of audience members listening to Atwater. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Atwater visited Massachusetts for a fundraiser; that he was not afraid to attack former rival Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts). V: Footage of Atwater speaking at the press conference. Atwater says that he can "smell" a Republican victory in the Massachusetts air. Shot of Atwater shaking hands with attendees of the fundraiser. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater has had a few setbacks recently. Vaillancourt reports that one of Atwater's goals is to increase minority membership in the Republican Party; that Atwater was recently forced to resign from the Board of Trustees of Howard University when African American students staged a three-day protest. V: Footage of student protests at Howard University on February 8, 1989. Vaillancourt reports that students were angry over the Republican Party's exploitation of race in the presidential campaign. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Willie Horton (furloughed convict). Vaillancourt reports that Atwater denies that the Republican Party exploited race in the Willie Horton campaign advertisements. V: Footage of Atwater speaking at the fundraiser. Atwater says that the Republican Party was opposed to Dukakis's criminal furlough program. Vaillancourt reports that critics say that racist politics resulted in the election of David Duke (former wizard of the Ku Klux Klan) as the Republican candidate for governor of Lousiana. V: Footage of Duke at a press conference; of a Duke campaign sticker. Footage of Atwater at the fundraiser. Atwater says that Duke is a racist "charlatan"; that Duke has no place in the Republican Party. Atwater says that the Democrats should focus on Reverend Louis Farrakhan (Nation of Islam leader). Shots of attendees at the fundraiser. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater highlighted the efforts of the Massachusetts Republican Party to attract African American voters; that Atwater welcomed a president of an MBTA patrolmen's union. Vaillancourt notes that the president of the patrolmen's union has switched parties. V: Footage of Atwater shaking the hand of Herman Wheeler (President, MBTA Police Officers Association). Atwater tells Wheeler that it takes courage to switch parties; that the Republican Party needs courageous members. Shot of audience members, including Ron Kaufman (Republican National Committee). Vaillancourt reports from the Republican Party fundraiser. Vaillancourt says that Atwater's speech to the Massachusetts Republican Party was optimistic. Vaillancourt notes that the Republican Party has recently lost two special Congressional elections; that there is another special Congressional election in Wyoming tomorrow. Vaillancourt reports that some are wondering why Atwater is not in Wyoming today. V: Footage of Atwater saying that he would risk being called an "outsider" if he went to Wyoming to campaign. Atwater says that he hopes the Party will win the election in Wyoming; that "all is not lost" if the Party loses the election. Atwater says that special elections do not portend the results of the next election cycle. Shots of attendees at the fundraiser; of Atwater greeting attendees. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater has a lot of work ahead of him.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/25/1989

Les Blancs

Description: Carmen Fields reports that the play Les Blancs, by playwright Lorraine Hansberry will be produced by the Huntington Theater Company. The play is set in a fictitious African nation struggling for independence. Interview with Hansberry's ex-husband Robert Nemiroff, who is overseeing the production of the play. He talks about Hansberry and her work. Nemiroff says that Hansberry's play foreshadows the revolutionary changes that would take place in Africa in the 1960s. He says that much of her work revolved around the relationship between the oppressed and their oppressors. Fields reviews Hansberry's career. She notes that Nemiroff is gathering materials for a Hansberry Library Collection. Fields report includes footage from the WNET production of Les Blancs and footage from the 1961 film A Raisin in the Sun. Fields report includes footage and photographs of Hansberry and shots of advertisements for Hansberry's plays. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: African American school committee members criticize Flynn's school choice plan
1:00:13: Visual: Footage from the Huntington Theatre production of the play, Les Blancs. Carmen Fields reports that Les Blancs is set in a fictitious African country; that Les Blancs was written by Lorraine Hansberry (playwright). V: Black and white shot of Hansberry. Shot of a black and white photo of Hansberry. Footage of Robert Nemiroff (production advisor) saying that Hansberry foresaw the revolutionary changes which took place in Africa in the 1960s. Shot of a black and white photo of Hansberry. Shot of the cover of a book of plays by Hansberry. Fields reports that Hansberry wrote Les Blancs in 1960; that only a few African nations were independent in 1960. Fields notes that Hansberry plays often deal with the changing relationships between the oppressors and the oppressed. Fields adds that Al Freeman Jr. (actor) and Roy Scheider (actor) starred in the Broadway production of Les Blancs. V: Footage from WNET of Les Blancs. Footage of Nemiroff being interviewed by Fields. Nemiroff says that Hansberry did not believe that race issues were the ultimate source of world conflict. Nemiroff says that Hansberry believed that the ultimate struggle was between the oppressed and the oppressors. Footage from the 1961 film, A Raisin in the Sun. Shot of an advertisement for A Raisin in the Sun. The advertisement notes that A Raisin in the Sun won Best Play of the year from the Drama Critics' Circle in 1959. Fields reports that the Hansberry's work often revolves around the choices made by ordinary people; that Hansberry wrote A Raisin in the Sun and The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. V: Shot of a poster for The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. Fields reports that Hansberry died in 1965 at age 34. V: Shot of Hansberry. Shot of a black and white photo of Hansberry and Nemiroff. Fields reports that Nemiroff was married to Hansberry when she died; that Nemiroff is advising the production of Les Blancs at the Huntington Theatre. Fields notes that Nemiroff is gathering materials for a Hansberry Library Collection. V: Footage of the Huntington Theatre production of Les Blancs. Shot of a room with Hansberry's writing materials. Footage of Nemiroff saying that there are no villains in Hansberry's plays; that each character in a Hansberry play has his or her own motives. Nemiroff says that Hansberry had great respect for the potential of every human being. Fields reports that Hansberry described her work as "dramatic realism." V: Black and white footage of Hansberry. Hansberry talks about realism in her work.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/16/1989

Lindiwe Mabuza

Description: Carmen Fields interviews Lindiwe Mabuza of the African National Congress about apartheid in South Africa. Mabuza says that F.W. de Klerk, the President of South Africa, is not committed to fundamental changes in the regime. She adds that the ANC is struggling for a united, democratic, and non-racial South Africa. Fields reports that black South Africans are celebrating the recent release of eight political prisoners. Mabuza talks about the release of the prisoners and the role of the ANC. Mabuza discusses the possibility of negotiations with the South African government. She reviews the conditions under which black South Africans could negotiate with the South African government. Mabuza talks about her support for sanctions on the South African government. Fields' report is accompanied by footage of de Klerk, footage of black South Africans celebrating the release of prisoners and footage of a large demonstration by black South Africans.
1:00:09: Visual: Footage of Lindiwe Mabuza (African National Congress Representative to the US) being interviewed by Carmen Fields. Mabuza says that there will be little difference between the administrations of P.W. Botha (former president of South Africa) and F.W. de Klerk (president of South Africa). Mabuza says that de Klerk is not committed to fundamental changes in the apartheid policy of the South African government. Fields reports that de Klerk was elected by the small minority of white South Africans; that de Klerk does not support the one person, one vote concept. Fields reports that the African National Congress (ANC) does not agree with de Klerk's vision of a post-apartheid nation. V: Shots of de Klerk and white South African government officials in a governmental chamber. Footage of Mabuza saying that the ANC is struggling for a united, democratic ,and non-racial South Africa. Mabuza says that South Africa is currently divided by apartheid. Mabuza says that de Klerk believes that there are many groups and nations within South Africa; that de Klerk wants to divide the black South Africans into groups; that these divisions are a continuation of apartheid. Fields reports that black South Africans are celebrating the recent release of eight political prisoners; that seven of the eight released prisoners are high-ranking ANC officials. Fields reports that the released prisoners met in Soweto today to plan for an ANC rally. V: Shots of black South Africans singing together as they celebrate the release of the prisoners; of white South African military police. Shots of the released prisoners outside of the prison; of the released prisoners walking in a group; of a released prisoner greeting a friend. Footage of Mabuza being interviewed by Fields. Mabuza says that the released ANC officials should re-assume their leadership roles. Mabuza says that the leaders have been released without restrictions; that the leaders should address the problems of black South Africans. Mabuza says that de Klerk cannot afford to put the leaders in prison again; that de Klerk has publicized the release of the prisoners in order to make the South African government look good. Fields asks about negotiations with the South African government to end apartheid. Mabuza says that the South African government must lift the state of emergency; that the government must withdraw troops from civilian areas; that the government must release thousands of political prisoners including Nelson Mandela (jailed South African leader). Mabuza says that the government must lift its ban on the ANC; that the government must lift restrictions on other organizations and banned individuals. Mabuza says that the government must make these changes in order to negotiate in good faith with black South Africans. Fields reports that Mabuza does not believe that sanctions hurt black South Africans. V: Shot of a man putting up a poster with a newspaper headline reading, "Unity on SA blown apart by Thatcher." Footage of Mabuza saying that millions of blacks are out of work and suffering because of apartheid; that black South Africans are willing to make sacrifices to end apartheid. Mabuza says that black South Africans want change in South Africa. Shots of a large demonstration by black South Africans. Many are holding signs and banners.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/23/1989

MWRA and unions

Description: Deborah Wang reports on a labor dispute concerning the Boston Harbor Cleanup project. Wang notes that labor have signed an agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), in which the unions have promised not to strike if the MWRA agrees to hire only union workers for the project. Interview with John Cruz of J.B. Cruz Construction, who says that many minority businesses would like to bid on the project. Cruz can afford union wages but cannot afford union rules. He says that his business is more efficient because his workers are not unionized. Interview with Richard Fox of the MWRA), who says that the MWRA wants to avoid a work stoppage during the project. Interview with Joe Nigro of the Building Trades Council, who says that unions give workers good healthcare and pensions. Wang reports that Cruz and other non-union contractors may challenge the agreement in court. Following the edited story is additional b-roll footage of construction workers and construction sites.
1:00:08: Visual: Shots of two African American men moving a heavy object from the basement of a building; of a truck belonging to the J.B. Cruz Company; of rowhouses being renovated in Roxbury. Deborah Wang reports that the J.B. Cruz Company has been building and renovating homes in Roxbury since 1948. V: Shots of two African American men lifting a heavy object onto the back of a truck. Wang reports that the J.B. Cruz Company hopes to bid on the Boston Harbor Cleanup project; that the Boston Harbor Cleanup project is the largest public works project to date. V: Shot of an African American man working on the wiring of a home. Footage of John Cruz (J.B. Cruz Construction) being interviewed by Wang. Cruz says that he hopes the project will have a 30% minority set-aside; that minority businesses see the program as a great opportunity. Shots of an African American man operating a tractor; of rubble being transported out of a building on a conveyor belt. Wang reports that the J.B. Cruz Company may not be able to bid on work for the Harbor Cleanup project because the J.B. Cruz Company runs an "open shop" using non-union labor. Wang reports that the city's unions do not want non-union workers to participate in the project. V: Shots of two African American construction workers examining a document; of a construction worker measuring a pipe. Footage of Cruz saying that the union policy is discriminatory. Cruz says that he has been fighting discrimination all of his life. Shots of a construction worker operating a backhoe; of a construction worker using a welding torch. Wang reports that the unions are in control of the Boston Harbor Cleanup project; that the unions have signed a labor agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Wang notes that the unions have promised not to strike during the ten-year project. Wang adds that the unions consider the no-strike clause as a major concession. V: Shots of a construction site; of a worker descending stairs on a piece of scaffolding; of a construction worker using a mallot. Footage of Richard Fox (MWRA) saying that a work stoppage during the project could cost millions of dollars. Fox says that the MWRA wanted an agreement which guaranteed good relations with labor and construction workers. Shot of two construction workers walking on a job site; of a construction worker working in a subterranean structure; of a construction worker operating a backhoe. Wang reports that the unions fought for a clause stating that all workers on the project must be union members. Wang notes that Cruz must enroll all of his workers in a union if he wants to bid on the Harbor Cleanup Project. Wang reports that Cruz says that he can afford union wages but cannot afford union rules. V: Shots of construction workers working at a construction site; of Cruz being interviewed by Wang. Shots of a gravel truck at a construction site; of the driver of the gravel truck. Footage of Cruz saying that his business runs more efficiently because his business is not subject to union work restrictions. Shots of workers shoveling rocks down a chute into a building. Footage of Joe Nigro (Building Trades Council) saying that unions try to give workers good healthcare and a healthy pension. Nigro says that Cruz pays his workers low wages; that Cruz does not offer health and welfare benefits. Wang stands at a construction site. Wang reports that unions have a highly skilled work force; that unions get most of the jobs on big construction projects. Wang notes that unions can often dictate the labor terms on big construction projects. V: Footage of Cruz being interviewed by Wang. Cruz says that the unions are threatened by open-shop contractors because they are more efficient. Shots of a construction site near Boston Harbor. A worker climbs on a half-built structure. Another worker stands on a large piece of equipment. Wang reports that other non-union contractors are unhappy about the labor agreement for the Boston Harbor Cleanup project. Wang notes that a trade group may challenge the agreement in court; that the lawsuit could signal further delays for the Harbor Cleanup Project. V: Shots of construction workers at a site near Boston Harbor; of the Boston skyline; of large equipment operating in the harbor.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/26/1989